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p games, could equal these grown men in originating sports to fill in the hours that otherwise would have been exceedingly dull. Some such safety-v

der thoughts. Many of the men were the possessors of rich, melodious voices

re whose ruddy sparks flew heavenward, the whole company would join him in singing the melodies with hearty goodwill, and at those moments care and danger were forgotten. Now he would give them a plaintive, gentle ditty that would make the eyes of those br

constant prayer was that some decisive move might be made, by which the war might be brought to a speedy close. He was lone

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er ringing out upon the air. Going to the opening, he saw a group of soldiers ga

e asked a companion who had eviden

e too late. The performance will be over." Ralph hurried after Harry, who was off like a deer, and going straight up to the group, he saw a cr

im in his

barrel, and send

h private in the

don't want to be too hard on a poor fell

n't enjoy such rough sport, and was really concerned

d Greene, the funn

birthday, and we re celebrating

birthday. If there was any chance for a joke on any member of the comp

onnivance, and the help of a few cracker boxes draped with bunting, and some tin cans, he had succeeded in making quite a tasty looking table. Before the banquet began, he made a

-jointed, wrinkled old darkey, whose huge mouth looked as if it was always ready to utter a guffaw, entered the tent, and scr

o attack the food, which was entirely at their service. It was unfortunate that he should be di

are, but fall to, friends." Once outside, he hu

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nviting to these devourers of hard tack and bacon. The table had for a centerpiece a fine-looking chic

don't believe he could buy them at the sutler's tent. His credit,

ng breath, and muttered expletives, as one after another bit into some tempting morsel to find a mouth filled with salt, pepper or sand, would have been a subject for a painter. The chicken was a sham; its unusual plumpness was due to

oods at the other end of camp. A dozen fleet-footed men soon overtook him, and, bringing him back, proce

on, he was quite subdued. But they all forgave him, and "Fred's birthday party"

fastened its strong hand upon him, and he grew more listless every day. He did not waver in his duties, h

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